Attachment 10 RFI Responses.pdf

Department of Justice (DOJ)

15JPSS25R00000055

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

1 Price Question: What is the total award value (size) of the current contract, which is presently ongoing by the Incumbent vendor? Funding information can be found at FPDS.gov

2 Admin Question: Can we request the Government for the Incumbent vendor’s Name & their contract number (which is currently underperformance)? The incumbent contractor is ARMADA. Contract is 15JPSS20F00000677.

3 Admin K.1 a) (1) & (2)

Question: Would the Government please consider changing the assigned NAICS code to either 541611 Administrative Management and General Consulting Services (24.5M Threshold) or 561611 Investigation and Personal Background Check Services (25M Threshold). For a requirement such as this with 42 Full Time Equivalent employees, EOUSA will need a vendor that has experience managing larger contracts while still being a Small Business under NAICS Codes that are more appropriate for the actual work that is being completed (Security related). Additionally, pursuant to FAR 19.102(b)(1), procurements should usually be “classified according to the component that accounts for the greatest percentage of contract value,” and the current code of 561110 does not appear to fit that definition for the SOW.

The Government believes the currenty assigned NAICS code is appropriate for the work requested in this procurement.

4 Admin Question: What is the closing date and time of the solicitation? The closing date and time is June 6, 2025 at 2PM Eastern. Proposals will not be accepted after this time and date.

5 Admin

Section H.10 Seniority Lists and Attachment 2 SOW EOUSA Administrative Support Services, Section 2.1.2 Staffing

Question: Based on the seniority list clause and the SOW recommending the contractor “make its best efforts to retain incumbent staff members who have gained experience on the contract to minimize staff turnover” – would the government provide the list of personnel currently supporting the contract with their seniority information?

The government will provided a list of the incumbent staff to the awardee after contract is signed, not before.

6 Admin 1. Personnel Requirements & Security Clearances

Question: Please clarify the specific clearance levels required for each functional area and whether interim clearances will be accepted at the time of award. Refer to Attachment 2 SOW.

7 Admin 1. Personnel Requirements & Security Clearances

Question: Will the Government sponsor security clearance investigations for contractor personnel, or must all personnel be fully cleared prior to onboarding?

The vendor is responsible to sponser all security clearances for required personnel given the vendor posseses the proper FCL level of security.

8 Admin 2. Transition Plan and Incumbency Question: Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing these services? If so, will incumbent personnel be available for transition and knowledge transfer?

Refer to answer for 2, above.

Per FAR 52.237-3 Continuity of Services, the incumbent is required to perform appropriate transition.

9 Admin 2. Transition Plan and Incumbency Question: Is the incumbent contractor eligible to submit a proposal in response to this RFP? The Government is not in a position to answer this question.

10 Admin 2. Transition Plan and Incumbency Question: Can the Government provide additional guidance on the required content and format of the Transition Plan as referenced in Section L.3.2?

The Transition Plan is part of the proposal and therefore the vendor shall descripbe how they propose to perform a seamless transition.

11 Admin 3. Staffing & Workload Expectations Question: What is the anticipated level of effort (e.g., FTEs) across each functional area listed in Section 2.2 of the SOW? Refer to Attachment 2 SOW.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

12 Admin 3. Staffing & Workload Expectations Question: Will all contractor staff be required to work on-site, or will remote/hybrid arrangements be considered for certain positions?

The vendor shall be prepared to have an operating office and staff in the National Capitol Region to perform work full on-site. The Government reserves the right to authorize a hybrid schedule at its descretion.

13 Admin 3. Staffing & Workload Expectations Question: For how many positions does the Government require the submission of resumes? Refer to Attachment 2 SOW.

14 Admin 4. Task Order Management Question: Will services be issued through multiple task orders by functional area, or will this be a single consolidated award? The Government indends to have a single award.

15 Admin 4. Task Order Management Question: Is there an annual ceiling or an estimated number of task orders expected across the base and option periods?

The Government cannot provide the annual ceiling amount as this is a competitive award. This is a single award and task orders are not a part of that.

16 Admin 5. Page Limits Question: Are there page limitations for any of the proposal sections identified in Section L? The table has been updated to reflect that no individual section of any volume shall exceed 25 pages.

17 Admin 6. Performance Metrics & Deliverables

Question: Are there established performance metrics, KPIs, or SLAs associated with this contract? If so, can the Government provide examples? The Government will provide this information after award.

18 Admin 6. Performance Metrics & Deliverables

Question: Will the Government provide sample formats or templates for required deliverables (e.g., staffing reports, status updates)? Refer to question 17, above.

19 Admin 7. Past Performance Question: Will the Government consider allowing at least one or two past performance references from a proposed subcontractor to strengthen a teaming approach?

The past performance shall only reflect the prime vendor's past performance on contracts of similar revelancy and scope.

20 Admin 7. Past Performance Question: If forming a Joint Venture (JV), would the past performance of any JV member satisfy the prime contractor requirement for past performance?

A JV is only acceptable if it has a unique CAGE code separate from the forming members and registered in SAM.gov as well as SBA. As such, members experience shall count toward past performance.

21 Admin 7. Past Performance Question: Will the Government consider similar services and experience as qualifying for Personnel Security, Adjudicator, and Physical Security requirements?

The Government is not limiting submission of relevant experience to this requirement.

22 Admin 8. IT Systems and Tools Question: Will access and user training be provided for JSTARS, PIPS/CVS, and other systems referenced in the SOW? Access will be provided.

23 Admin 8. IT Systems and Tools Question: Are there any planned system migrations or upgrades that may affect contractor operations? The systems in place shall not affect preparation of this proposal.

24 Admin 9. Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

Question: Will there be a requirement for nationwide travel beyond the Washington, DC area? If so, can the Government provide an estimate of frequency?

Yes there is moderate travel required and will be determined based on workload.

25 Admin 9. Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

Question:Are the $15,000 (travel) and $1,000 (training) annual placeholders fixed values, or may offerors propose based on anticipated needs? This is an estimated placeholder.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

26 Admin 10. Proposal Evaluation Criteria Question: Can the Government elaborate on the evaluation weighting for technical capability, past performance, and cost under the “Best Value” approach?

The guidelines for evaluation are based on a points system which will determine best value.

27 Admin 10. Proposal Evaluation Criteria Question: Will oral presentations or live interviews be part of the evaluation process? Oral presentations and live interviews are not anticipated.

28 Admin 11. CLIN Price Template (Attachment 1) Question: Should labor categories be priced individually or blended by functional area? Fill out the Attachment 1 as provided.

29 Admin 11. CLIN Price Template (Attachment 1)

Question: Should pricing be structured by labor category and by contract year (base and option years)? Refer to answer to 28, above.

30 Admin F.5, page 8 of 90

Question: With the recent return-to-office Executive Order issued by the White House, can you please clarify whether contractors will be required to perform their duties on-site at a government or contractor facility on a full-time (100%) basis? Additionally, is there a requirement for the contractor to be physically based in the Washington, D.C. area?

The contractor will need to have a local DC area office. Please provide the location of your local administrative office in your proposal.

31 Admin K.1 (a)(1) , page 62 of 90 Question: Is a vendor still eligible to submit a proposal under NAICS code 561110 if they exceed the small business size standard threshold?

All business who propose are limited to the size restrictions and they will be verified.

32 Admin G.4.1 a, page 11 of 90 Question: While FAR While FAR 52.232-25 (Prompt Payment) is incorporated. Please confirm whether the solicitation includes the provision under FAR 32.009 – Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Contractors?

The Government confirms that is correct.

33 Admin Question: What is the anticipated contract value? The Government is not in a postion to provide this information.

34 Admin Question: Is the effort fully staffed? It is mostly staffed.

35 Admin Question: If not fully staffed, which task functional areas are vacant and how many staff are needed at each location to reach full staff? The Government is not in a postion to provide this information.

36 Admin Attachment 1 CLIN Price Template Question: Are the yearly unit/hours of 1872 considered 'Full Time' M-F 8hrs/day? The Government confirms that is correct.

37 Admin Attachment 1 CLIN Price Template Question: Why are there asterisks next to some of the Task Functional Area titles (ie. Lead Personnel Security Specialist*)? Refer to Attachment 2 SOW.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

38 Admin Attachment 1 CLIN Price Template

Question: What locations (City, State) are each of the following:

Refer to Attachment 2 SOW.

39 Admin SF33, Pg. 1, Block 9 Vs.

SF33 Pg. 81 of 90, top of page

Question: SF33, Pg. 1, Block 9, states the Closing Date is 6/6/25.

However, SF33 Pg. 81 of 90, top of page, states the Closing Date is 6/6/25.

Will the government please confirm the “Closing Date?”

Refer to question 4, above.

40 Admin

SF33, Pg. 2 of 90 Section B - Supplies/Services/Prices;

SF33 Pg. 76 of 90, Proposal Sections Subject to Specific Page Limitation-Volume IV Price;

SF33 Pg. 80 of 90: Section L.3.4, first paragraph

Question: SF33, Pg. 2 of 90 Section B - Supplies/Services/Prices: Appear to be missing the Item no/CLIN Sheets SF33 Pg. 76 of 90, Proposal Sections Subject to Specific Page Limitation: Volume IV Price:

Instructions state to include the Schedule of Supplies and Services Section of the SF33.

SF33 Pg. 80 of 90: Section L.3.4, first paragraph states, “The offeror shall complete the Schedule of Supplies/Services page(s) of the Standard Form (SF) 33 of the solicitation with pricing for the Base and each Option Period”.

There are no CLIN Sheets included with the Schedule of Supplies/Services page(s) of the Standard Form (SF) 33.

Will the government please provide the CLIN/Item No Sheet, which are to be completed for Volume IV-Price?

Refer to Attachment 1 CLIN Price Template.

41 Admin Attachment 1 CLIN Price Template

Question: Attachment 1 CLIN Price Template, Row 3 (Pricing Summary and Task Area LOE tabs) states this is “RFQ Attachment 2 CLIN Price Table”. However, Attachment 2 is the “SOW EOUSA Administrative Support Services.

Will the government please correct Row 3 to states “RFQ Attachment 1 CLIN Price Table”?

Yes, noted.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

42 Admin Attachment 8 DD254 Question: Will the government please confirm if “Attachment 8 DD254” should be completed by the Offeror and included in Volume I-Administrative?

The Government confirms that the DD254 is part of the Administrative Volume.

43 Admin SF33, Pg. 75 of 90: Proposal Sections Subject to Specific Page Limitation: Volume II-Technical

Question: Please clarify:

What is the TOTAL PAGE limit Volume II-Technical?

What is the Page Limit for the Management Plan?

What is the Page Limit for the Staffing Plan?

Are the Resumes included in the Total Page Count for Volume II-Technical?

Specific sections and subsections have a page limit stipulated in the SOW.

However, no other individual section shall exceed 25 pages.

44 Admin SF33, Pg. 78 of 90: Volume II- Technical Staffing Plan Section a

Question: SF33, Pg. 78 of 90: Volume II-Technical Staffing Plan Section a states: “ The plan must include a description of the qualifications for all individuals proposed and how personnel will be compensated appropriately for the position and clearance requirement in the SOW.”

Please clarify what is the government is looking for when describing Compensation?

The vendor shall provide adequate compensation to comply with local labor laws.

45 Admin

SF33, Pg. 75 of 90: Proposal Sections Subject to Specific Page Limitation Vs. SF33, Pg. 79 of 90:

Volume II-Technical Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)

Question: Pg. 75 of 90 states “Quality Control Plan (QCP) Maximum of 2 pages”.

However.pg. 79 of 90 states “The offeror shall submit a QAP (IAW “Attachment 7 QASP” Please clarify is the QCP the same as the QAP?

The intent of the QCP is to address other sections of the QASP. QAP has been updated to reflect QCP.

46 Admin SF33, Pg. 79 of 90: Volume II-Past Performance, Section L.3.3

Question: Pg. 79 of 90 states: “Provide three references for commensurate projects that are in progress (within one year from the date of the RFP) or were completed within the past three years.

Will the government changes this to Within the past FIVE YEARS?

The Government believes that 3 years of references from the prime respondant is accurate.

47 Admin

SF33, Pg. 79 of 90: Volume II- Technical Phase-In/Phase-Out Plan Vs.

Attachment 1 CLIN Price Template

Question: Pg. 79 of 90 states: “Assume that the contract will be awarded on July 31, 2025, with the transition/start-up period to be completed - and full performance to commence on or about October 1, 2025.”

Please clarify: How Long is the Phase-In Period, 30 days or 60 days?

Please clarify: Does the government require Offerors to submit Pricing for the Phase-In Period?

If so, will the government please issue a REVISED Attachment 1-CLIN Price Template?

The Government required a minimum of 30 days for the phase-in period;

however, the contractor shall propose the phase in period in the proposal.

The Government revised Attachment 1 CLIN Price.

48 Admin Question: IT's not clear in the RFP whether we need to provide resumes of key personnels or not.

If the vendor is proposing key personnel then yes resumes should be provided.

49 Admin Page 80, Section L.5, Lines 1 and 2 Question: Can the government confirm the email address to which the proposal should be submitted? Refer to SF33 Page 1, block 10.

50 Admin Page 75, Section L.5.k, Row 2 of the table

Question: Can the government confirm the total page limit for Volume II - Technical Volume? Refer to question 43, above.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

51 Admin Page 75, Section L.5.k, Row 2 of the table Question: Can the government confirm the total page limit for the Management Plan? Refer to question 43, above.

52 Admin Page 75, Section L.5.k, Row 2 of the table Question: Can the government confirm the total page limit for the Staffing Plan? Refer to question 43, above.

53 Admin Page 80, Section L.3.5.a, lines 3 and

Question: If pricing is the same for the Prime and Subcontractor, is a breakout still required between the prime and subcontractor? The Government does not expect a breakdown of pricing to that level.

54 Admin Page 8, Section F.5

Question: The place of performance in the solicitation states performance will be at locations throughout the fifty states as well as some OCONUS locations. The SOW states that work will only be in DC and Columbia, SC (page 40 of the SOW). Can the government please confirm the place of performance? Will an updated pricing table be provided consistent with the answer to this question?

The work will be performed in the DC area and Columbia, SC.

55 Admin Page 8, Section F.5

Question: Addtionally, can the government state where exactly which LCATs will be at at which location? This will enable offers to provide accurate pricing based on location and any cost of living adjustments that may be needed. Alternatively should bidders price all positions at three rates (DC / SC, and OCONUS)?

For location, refer to Attachment 2 SOW.

56 Admin Page 1, Block 9

Question: If it will take time to determine which LCATs will be at which location, will the government extend the due date to be able to share that information and in turn, incorpoate that information into the price as well as the management, staffing, transition in/out, and quality assuarancy plans?

All LCATs locations are stipulated in Attachment 2 SOW. Therefore there are no grounds of extending the solicitation period.

57 Admin Page 80, Section L.3.4 Question: If the government is unable to provide which LCATs will be at which locations, can the government provide additional pricing guidelines to enable easier review of proposals?

Refer to question 56, above.

58 Admin Pg 78, Staffing Plan, Section A

Question: The requirements state, "Provide a hiring plan for all personnel which will include maintaining the incumbent staff and another plan detailing how this contract will be staffed utilizing new personnel in the event that the Government cannot sustain the existing personnel." Is there an incubment provider/personnel, is this a combination of several existing contracts, or is this a brand new opportunity? Per the instructions regarding the staffing plan with regard to maintaining incubment personnel, please provide incumbent information and contact information for all personnel the USG wishes to retain for this opportunity.

The incumbent contractor is ARMADA. Further details will be provided upon contract award.

59 Admin Page 90, Paragraph C Question: If there are incubments, what LCATs are currently classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards? Is it the government's intetion to keep that classificaiton or can we transition them to salaried positions?

The contractor shall comply with local labor laws for employment.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

60 Admin Section B Question: What is the Government’s CLIN structure and CLIN numbers for the labor and ODCs over the contract’s term? Refer to Attachment 1 CLIN Pricing Table.

61 Admin Section B Question: Will the Government add the Phase-In/ Transition Period to Table 1? Yes, the Government will add in Phase in.

62 Admin L.5 Place of Performance Question: What does the Government consider a “reasonable commuting distance” in miles?

Per the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) a distance of less than 50 miles is reasonable. Whereas, the Department of Labor lists it at less than 30 miles/45 minutes.

63 Admin L.2 Instructions to Offerors Question: Who is the “contracting officer listed in listed in Section L4 Solicitation Contracting Officials?” [the Offeror is unable to locate the CO/Contracting Officials in L.4] Refer to SF33 Page 1, block 10.

64 Admin L.2 Instructions to Offerors Question: What is the Government’s page limitation for Volume II’s Management Plan? Refer to answer 17, above.

65 Admin L.2 Instructions to Offerors Question: What is the Government’s page limitation for Volume II’s Staffing Plan? Refer to answer 17, above.

66 Admin L.2 Instructions to Offerors Question: For which positions are resumes required to be submitted with the Offeror’s proposal?

Any proposed Key Personnel are required to have resumes submitted to be approved by the Government.

67 Admin L.2 Instructions to Offerors Question: Does the Government want actual compensation (salary in $US and benefits) information by position? If not, will the Government clarify the “compensation” requirement? This is up to the contractor to provide as part of their proposals.

68 Admin L.3.2 Volume II- Technical Proposal Question: Will the Government compensate the awarded contractor for transition/start-up period labor performed by the non-incumbent contractor employees that will perform on the contract?

Yes

69 Admin L.3.3 Volume III – Past Performance Question: Should the “following information is required for each reference” items 1 – 8 be entered into Volume III in addition to Attachment 5 Past Performance Data? Or should the Offeror only provide a completed Attachment 5 for each past performance reference?

Attachment 5 is to be provided by the contractor. Attachment 6 is to be provided by the customer.

70 Admin L.3.4 Volume IV - Price

Question: Will the Government clarify the Volume IV requirement that “The offeror shall complete the Schedule of Supplies/Services page(s) of the Standard Form (SF) 33 of the solicitation with pricing for the Base and each Option Period? [the Offeror is unable to locate pages the need to be completed, as directed]

Refer to Attachment 1 CLIN Pricing Table.

71 Admin L.3.4 Volume IV - Price Question: In addition to completing Attachment 1 CLIN Price Template, SF33 Blocks 12 -16, and SF 30 (Blocks 15A-C) what additional information does the Government require in Volume IV?

Follow instructions in Section L of the solicitation.

72 Admin L.3.4 Volume IV - Price Question: Does the Government require the Offeror to provide cost build-up methodology for its proposed rates? This is not a requirement.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

73 Admin L.3.4 Volume IV - Price Question: Does the Government require the Offeror to provide a price narrative? This is not a requirement.

74 Admin L.5 Submission of Offers Question: Who are the contracting officials and their email addresses that the Offeror should submit our proposal? Refer to SF33 Page 1, block 10.

75 Admin 2.1.5 Transition Question: What is the Government’s required phase-in schedule? [the Offeror is unable to locate the phase-in schedule in Section 5.1 as directed]? Please see the updated Attachment 1 CLIN Pricing.

76 Admin 2.1.5 Transition Question: Who is the incumbent prime contractor and what is the contract number? Refer to answer 2, above.

77 Admin 2.1.5 Transition Question: What current staff (incumbent) positions are vacant? This information will be provided to the awardee.

78 Admin 2.1.5 Transition Question: Does the Government anticipate that new contractor personnel for positions not held by incumbent personnel will transition prior to the contract start date (October 1, 2025)?

If so, how will the contractor be compensated for their time?

Yes

79 Admin

3.1.1.1 Access to Classified

Information

1. Clearance and Safeguarding

Question: Will the Government correct the DD254’s Block 1.a. from “Secret” to “Top- Secret?” [The SOW requires an Offeror to have a “Top-Secret Facility Clearance to fully perform this contract” and the DD254 also indicates the approximate number of clearances to include SCI at 4 and Top Secret at 4 which also requires a TS FCL]

Refer to Attachment 2 SOW.

80 Admin SF33 Block 9. Question: Will the Government amend and extend the solicitation’s proposal due date to two weeks from when the Government answers the Offerors’ questions?

The Government has allowed sufficient time between the opening and close of the solicitation.

81 Admin SF33 Block 9. Question: Will the Government amend the solicitation and provide an extension to the proposal due date so that the proposal period is at least 30 calendar days? Refer to answer 80, above.

82 Admin L.2 Instructions to Offerors - General

Question: Can the Government please confirm whether resumes for Key Personnel ( identified in Attachment 2 SOW, heading 3.8 Personnel Minimum Qualification Requirements at page number 34) are required to be submitted with the proposal?

The Government confirms that all proposed Key Personnel resumes need to be submitted.

83 Admin

Per the solicitation document, Page 75, Proposal Sections Table & Attachment 8_DD254, Page 3, Item Number 6:

Question: Will the Government accept a sponsorship letter to DSS as proof of a Secret Facility Clearance, as noted in the DD254

The Government requires a minimum of a SECRET Facility clearance at time of proposal submission.

84 Admin Question: Is a 50-mile radius from 175 N Street, NE, Washington, DC 20530 considered a reasonable commuting distance? Refer to answer 62, above.

85 Admin Question: Will the seniority list in section H.10 contain employee contact information for retention on the new contract? This will be provided at contract award.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

86 Admin Question: In Section K, "Format and Instructions for Proposals", the table on page 75 lists the Management Plan and Staffing Plan with no corresponding page limits. Is it correct that both of these plans, and any other item without a page limit listed, do not have a page limit?

Refer to answer 17, above.

87 Admin Question: Would an alternative working schedule be considered for employees that commute into the office? The Government could consider that as an option.

88 Admin Question: Can the Government please identify the incumbent contractor currently performing this work? Refer to answer 2, above.

89 Admin Section L.1, Page 74, First Paragraph

Question: Given the level of complexity and detail required across multiple volumes, would the Government consider extending the proposal due date by at least two weeks to allow for a more complete and compliant response?

Refer to answer 80, above.

90 Admin Section L.3.3, Page 79, Past Performance, Paragraph C

Question: Recognizing that small businesses may have limited quantities of relevant past performance references of similar size, the current requirement for submitting three past performances from the prime may limit competition. Would the Government consider revising the requirement to allow “up to three” past performance references, rather than requiring exactly three?

Refer to answer 19, above.

91 Admin Section M.2, Page 87, Past Performance, Paragraph C

Question: Given the value that qualified subcontractors can bring to this contract, would the Government consider allowing past performance from proposed subcontractors to be submitted—particularly where it is highly relevant to the scope and complexity of this requirement?

The Government is requesting past performance from the prime offeror and not subcontractors due to the effort required from the prime.

92 Admin L.2, Page 72, Paragraph B

Question: The RFP stipulates that the prime contractor must staff no less than seventy-five percent of all labor categories. As this is a Small Business set-aside, would the Government reconsider this requirement to align with SBA regulations under FAR 52.219-14, which typically require small business primes to perform at least 51% of the work? The 75% threshold could significantly limit the ability of small businesses to effectively team and meet complex mission requirements.

The RFP language stands as is.

93 Admin Section L.2, Page 75, Proposal Sections Subject to Specific Page Limitations (Table)

There are no page limits identified for sections of Volume II – Technical Proposal, including the Management Plan and Staffing Plan.

Question: Will the Government please confirm whether there are any page limitations for the Management Plan and Staffing Plan? If no page limits are intended, please clarify whether Offerors may determine reasonable length at their discretion.

Refer to answer 17, above.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

94 Admin Section L.3.2, Page 77, First Paragraph under “Volume II – Technical Proposal”

The introductory paragraph states that Volume II should address “…the technical requirements of the solicitation document.” Under the “Management Plan” subheading, it further states that the Offeror shall describe how it will perform the work and services required within the SOW. However, items A–E under the Management Plan appear to focus on management topics and do not explicitly instruct Offerors to provide a technical approach.

Questions:

- Is the Government requiring a separate technical approach to fulfilling the requirements outlined in the SOW?

- If yes, will the Government update Section L and/or M to clearly define the technical approach as a required element and provide corresponding evaluation criteria?

- If a technical approach is required, please confirm whether Offerors should address all elements under Section 2.2 of the SOW and its subsections, or a specific subset.

The offerors should follow the instructions in Section L to prepare all aspects of each volume.

95 Admin Section L.3.2, Page 79, Paragraph “Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)”

The instructions state that the QAP should be submitted “in accordance with Attachment 7.”

Attachment 7 is several pages long, while the instructions specify a 2-page limit for the QAP.

Question: Please clarify the intent of “in accordance with” in this context. Is the QAP expected to mirror or respond to each section of Attachment 7, or is a high-level summary sufficient within the 2-page limit?

The requirement stands.

96 Admin Section M.2, Page 85, First Paragraph under “Management Plan”

The evaluation criteria state that the Government will evaluate to ensure “Key Personnel positions are identified in its corporate structure” and that lines of authority are clearly defined.

Question: Please clarify the Government’s expectation regarding key personnel being “identified in its corporate structure.” Typically, key personnel are contract-specific roles and not part of a contractor’s corporate organizational structure.

Corporate structure in this case means the intent and effort the vendor plans to run and operate the contract at the Government site.

97 Admin Section M.2, Page 85, First Paragraph under “Staffing Plan”

The evaluation language mirrors that of the Management Plan, stating that key and non-key positions must be identified in the Offeror’s corporate structure and that lines of authority are clearly defined.

Questions:

- Is the Government expecting a separate, third organizational chart in the Staffing Plan, distinct from those potentially provided in the Management Plan or Volume I?

- Please clarify what is meant by key and non-key positions being “identified in the corporate structure,” given that these roles are typically aligned to the contract rather than to a company's corporate organization.

The Government does not expect a separate organizational chart.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

98 Admin Section L.3.2, Page 78, Bullet A under “Staffing Plan”

The solicitation references maintaining the incumbent workforce but does not provide information about the current contractor or incumbent staffing levels.

Question: Will the Government provide details about the incumbent contractor and their current staffing (e.g., number of FTEs, current labor categories, etc.)?

This will be provided at contract award.

99 Admin Section M.2, Page 85, Paragraph on “Evaluation of Technical Proposal”

The technical proposal is assigned a total of 100 evaluation points. However, there are no numerical weightings or scoring information provided for past performance or price.

Question: Can the Government clarify the relative weights of technical, past performance, and price in the evaluation? Specifically, will past performance and price be scored or qualitatively assessed, and how will they impact overall selection?

Past performance is rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory based on the 3 past performances received from customers.

Price is evaluated as compared against other offerors.

100 Admin Question: Who is/are the current incumbent contractor(s)? Refer to answer 2, above.

101 Admin Question: What is the contract number for the current incumbent contract? Refer to answer 2, above.

102 Admin Question: What is the target budget for this new solicitation for the entire period of performance? The Government is not in a position to provide any budget information.

103 Admin Solicitation: SF33; L.5 - Submission of Offers

Question: Can the Government clarify the submission date and time of responses? The SF33 states 6/6/2025 at 2 PM while section L.5 states 6/5/2025 without a time. Refer to answer 4, above.

104 Admin Solicitation: SF33; L.5 - Submission of Offers

Question: Can the Government extend the submission date two weeks to allow more time for offerors to meet the PPQ and resume requirements? Refer to answer 80, above.

105 Admin Solicitation: L.2 - Instructions to Offerors, Format and Instructions for Proposal

Question: Can the Government confirm if offerors can include a list of acronyms and abbreviations for volumes I, II, and III? If so, would the lists be excluded from the page count?

Offerors may include acronyms and would count towards the page numbers in the proposal.

106 Admin Solicitation: L.2 - Instructions to Offerors, Format and Instructions for Proposal

Please clarify page limits for the Management Plan and Staffing Plan as a part of Volume II. Refer to answer 17, above.

107 Admin

Solicitation: L.2 - Instructions to Offerors, Format and Instructions for Proposal; Solicitation M.2 52.212-2 Addendum Evaluation, Past Performance

The table in L.2 states, "No PPQ is required if a CPARS reference is referenced in the PPD."

M.2, Past Performance, Item b states, "The offeror *shall* complete Attachment 6 PPQ Sheet and send it to each of the three customer references for the assessment," and Item c states, "The offeror *shall* submit with its proposal completed Attachment 6 PPQ sheet for three total contracts". Please confirm that if a CPARS exists, Attachment 6 is *not* required for that contract reference. Additionally, please clarify *where* in Attachment 5 - PPD vendors should reference existing CPARS, as no section of the PPD is related to CPARS.

Yes

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

108 Admin Solicitation: L.3.2 Volume II - Technical Proposal

L.3.2 states that Volume II "shall contain a table of contents for all material contained within it". Can the government confirm that the table of contents will be excluded from the page count? Additionally, would the government allow offerors to include tables of contents in volumes I and III, also to be excluded from the page count?

Table of Contents will not count against page limitations.

109 Admin Solicitation: L.3.2 Volume II - Technical Proposal, Staffing Plan

Question: Can the Government please clarify what it means by “what levels will need to be overcome to maintain existing personnel”? This is up to the contractor to provide as part of their proposals.

110 Admin

Solicitation: L.3.2 Volume II - Technical Proposal, Management Plan; M.2. 52.212-2 Addendum Evaluation, Technical

Item c. states that offerors are to include a Quality Assurance Plan. However, Section M states offerors are to be evaluated on their Quality Control Plan. Please confirm that in this instance the government is using QAP and QCP interchangeably. If so, can the Government please update the solicitation to ensure consistency between solicitation instructions and evaluation?

Yes and noted.

111 Admin Solicitation: L.3.2 Volume II - Technical Proposal, Phase-In / Phase-Out Plan

Document states, "Assume that the contract will be awarded on July 31, 2025, with the transition/start-up period to be completed - and full performance to commence on or about October 1, 2025." The pricing document does not include any reference to costs associated with transition / phase-in. Should a 31 July award occur, vendors face up to a 61 day unpaid period, which represents a substantial risk to the awarded vendor. Would the Government establish a "Phase-in" CLIN to be priced on a Time and Materials basis?

This is a Firm Fixed Price Contract. Time and Materials are not part of this contract.

112 Admin

Solicitation: L.3.3 Volume III - Past Performance; Solicitation M.2 52.212- 2 Addendum Evaluation, Past Performance

L.3.3 states, "Provide three references for commensurate projects that are in progress (within one year from the data of the RFP) or were completed within the past three years." Section M.2, Past Performance, Item a states, "To be determined recent the referenced contract must have been completed within three years from the date of solicitation issuance or currently ongoing *and have completed at least six months* of performance by solicitation issuance." Please confirm a referenced contract must have a minimum of 6 months of performance to be deemed recent.

The minimum requirement for a contract performance is a year (12 months). The 6-month completion you are referencing is having completed a minimum of 6 months into the performance of an ongoing, newly awarded contract.

113 Admin Solicitation: M.2 52.212-2 Addendum Evaluation, Past Performance

Regarding Attachment 5, can the Government confirm it expects offerors to provide three separate PDF documents, one for each contract reference? Correct, all references are to come from outside, independent references.

114 Admin Solicitation: M.2. 52.212-2 Addendum Evaluation, Past Performance

The solicitation states, "c. The Offeror shall submit with its proposal completed Attachment 6 PPQ sheet for three total contracts." Please confirm that contract references are not to submit directly to the DoJ and that they are to return a completed and signed Attachment 6 PPQ to the offeror to be included as part of its proposal submission.

Past performance references will go directly from customers to the Contracting Officer before the proposal closing time and date.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

115 Admin Attachment 1 - CLIN Price Template The attachment states "Total T&M by Period". However, the RFP states it is an FFP contract.

Can the government clarify the contract type of this opportunity.

This is a Firm Fixed Price Contract. Time and Materials are not part of this contract.

116 Admin

Attachment 2 - SOW: 2.1.4 Periodic Meetings and Reports; Attachment 7 - QASP: Appendix A: Performance Requirements Summary

Section 2.1.4 of the SOW appears to define "availability" as those who are present, as well as other statuses such as "sick, vacation, no notification for absence, etc." In the "Daily Staff Availability Report" item of QASP Appendix A, "Impact on Contractor" states "Vacant positions will not be paid." Does this imply that the contractor will not be paid for a person who is on sick leave or personal time off? If so, this does not align with the Firm Fixed Price nature of the contract. Or should vendors interpret this statement to mean that vendors will not be paid only for vacant positions defined as "positions for which a person has not been hired"?

The contractor will not bill for positions that are not filled. Therefore, the statement of "vendors will not be paid only for vacant positions defined as positions for which a person has not been hired" is correct.

117 Admin Attachment 2 - SOW: 5.2 Place of Performance

There appears to be a sentence fragment after the second listed Washington, DC address.

The SOW states, "Work will be performed in person at the EOUSA/SEMS offices located in the 3 Constitution Building (3 CON) at 175 N St., NE with one Personnel Security position at 450 Fifth St., NW, Washington, D.C. at 1600 Hampton St., Columbia, SC." Please clarify the number of staff and the Functional Role(s) of who is to work at the Columbia, SC location.

Clarified. Refer to Attachment 2 SOW.

118 Admin Attachment 5 - Past Performance Data: Section 14

Attachment 5, Section 14 states "Provide a summary description of contract work, not to exceed three (3) pages in length." Please confirm that the 3 page limitation applies *only* to Section 14 and not to the entirety of Attachment 5. A clarifying example, if the 3 page limit applies to the full attachment, then each submitted Attachment 5 would be 3 pages long, and section 14 would be approximately 2 pages in length at maximum because Attachment 5 is already 2 pages long. If the 3 page limit applies only to Section 14, then each submitted Attachment 5 could be up to 4 pages in length, as a 3 page Section 14 would consume page 2 of the attachment plus two additional pages, taking the total to 4 pages.

The Government confirms this.

119 Admin

The solicitation instructs us to “Submit questions to the contracting officer listed in Section L4 Solicitation Contracting Officials”. Section L4 is labeled “Proposal Preparation Costs” and does list any contracting officials. Is it safe to assume you are the right point of contact to send questions to since you are the POC listed in SAM for the opportunity and your name appears in the proposal submission instructions?

That is a correct assumption.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

120 Admin L.2 Instructions to Offerors

As Per the instructions, it is mentioned the page limit for cover letter, Organization Chart is one for each for Volume I - Administrative , however for other respective sections (Proof of SECRET Facility Clearance Information, etc ) there is no page limit mentioned. Please clarify the page limit for each sections of Volume I - Administrative and total page limit for the entire volume

Refer to answer 17, above.

121 Admin L.2 Instructions to Offerors

As Per the instructions, it is mentioned the page limit for Phase-In / Phase-Out Plan is 1, and for Quality Control Plan is 2 for Volume II - Technical Proposal , Please clarify the page limit for other sections such as Management Plan, Staffing Plan, of Volume II - Technical Proposal and total page limit for the entire volume

Refer to answer 17, above.

122 Admin Please clarify whether this is a new requirement or if there is an incumbent. If yes, please provide the incumbent details. Refer to answer 2, above.

123 Admin Is this an existing requirement or is this a new requirement? Refer to answer 2, above.

124 Admin If this is an existing effort; what is the prior contract award amount, name of incumbent, period of performance, to include the dates of the final option period exercised? Refer to answer 2, above.

125 Admin Is the current incumbent contract currently fully staffed with qualified personnel at all locations? The contract is substantially staffed.

126 Admin Does the current incumbent workforce meet all requirements specified in the SOW to include education, experience and training? Yes

127 Admin Do all of the incumbent personnel currently meet all of the adjudicated Public Trust and/or Security Clearance requirements? Yes

128 Admin Will the Government allow or facilitate the transition of incumbent personnel to the new contractor if awarded? The Government has no position in facilitating the transition of staff.

129 Admin Can the Government confirm whether the required level of effort (e.g., number of full-time equivalents) is expected to remain consistent throughout the period of performance?

At the time of solicitation, the level of effort should remain as stipulated in this requirement.

130 Admin Are there specific times of year or known events that result in increased workload or require additional support beyond standard staffing levels?

Based on the previous performance period, the workload should be steady throughout the year.

131 Admin

Which postions are SCA?

Which Occupation Codes listed in the Department of Labor (DOL), Wage Deternimation apply to which positions listed in the requirement?

Please provide a copy of the appropriate DOL WD.

The vendor shall comply with local labor laws and the DOL WD will be provided.

132 Admin What is the typical processing time for background checks and suitability clearances for contractor personnel? Are there any known delays or requirements the contractor should plan for?

The Government is not in a position to provide a specific timeframe.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

133 Admin

Please confirm the positions listed below are Key Personnel and that resumes are required with proposal submission for each Key Personnel position:

• Lead Personnel Security Specialist (1 position)

• Lead Adjudicator (1 position)

• Lead Physical Security Specialist (1 position)

• Threat Management Specialist (1 position)

• Emergency Management Specialist (2 positions)

• Occupational Safety and Health Specialist (1 position)

The aforementioned are the Key Personnel.

134 Admin

Do all current incumbent personnel meet all education, experience and clearance requirements as outlined in the SOW?

Does the Government require or prefer contractor personnel to have prior experience supporting the Department of Justice or the Executive Office for United States Attorneys

(EOUSA)?

Yes.

No, experience with EOUSA is not required.

135 Admin

Item g. specifies the following volumes:

1. Volume I - Administrative / Executive Summary

2. Volume II - Technical Proposal

3. Volume III-Past Performance

4. Volume IV - Price The table on page 75 of 90 titled "Proposal Sections Subject to Specific Page Limitations" specifies page limits for items such as the Cover Letter, Quality Control Plan and Resumes, but not the Management Plan, Staffing Plan, etc.

Would the Government please provide total page limits for each Volume AND any requirements that are excluded from page limits?

Refer to answer 17, above.

136 Admin Please clarify CPARS may be submitted in lieu of Attachment 6 Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ). CPARS are not required to be submitted.

137 Admin Will the government please provide the name of the incumbent and the applicable contract # and task order #? Refer to answer 2, above.

138 Admin How many FTE are on the current contract/task order? This information is not relevant to the current solicitation. The number of FTEs for the new contract are listed in Attachment 1.

139 Admin

Reference Section B.2, Page 2, Section L.1 page 72, and Attachment 1 CLIN Price Template Task Area LOE tab. Can the government please confirm the contract type? Section B.2 and Section L.1 of the solicitation states that this is a Firm Fixed Price contract while the pricing sheet references "Total T&M Costs by Period"

The contract type is Firm Fixed Price.

# Technical, Cost, or Admin RFP Section, Page Question / Comments DOJ Answers / Responses

140 Admin FAR 52.222-41 was incorporated and 52.222-43 was referenced, but no WD was provided.

Can the government confirm if SCA/SCLS is applicable on this effort? If so, can the government please supply the wage determination and revision # that should be used?

The SCA WD are provided in Attachment 9.

141 Admin

Reference DD254 and SOW 3.1.1.1. The DD254 requires a Secret FCL. However, many of the positions in the SOW require Top Secret clearance levels. Additionally SOW Section

3.1.1.1 states The Contractor shall possess or be capable of obtaining a Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) Defense Industrial Security Clearance Facility Code and a Top-Secret Facility Clearance to fully perform this contract”. Should Offerors show Proof of a Top-Secret FCL, or Secret FCL?

The requirement is for SECRET clearance.

142 Admin

Reference L.3.3 Volume III - Past Performance. Under FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iii) and GAO B- 407917.2, agencies should take into account affiliate past performance unless restricting the use of such affiliate past performance reasonably relates to the agency’s needs in choosing a contractor that will best serve the government’s interest. Question: May an offeror rely on affiliate past performance to demonstrate prior experience?

Only past performance executed by the vendor will be taken into consideration for this proposal.

143 Admin

Reference L.3.3 Volume III - Past Performance. Given this is a Small Business set aside whereas new companies may not have the required three past performance references, would the government consider changing the Past Performance requirements from “Provide three references” to “Provide up to three references”?

Refer to answer 19, above.

144 Admin

Reference Proposal Sections Subject to Specific Page Limitations (page 75) and L.3.2 Volume II - Technical Proposal (page 77). The page limitations table states that resumes are limited to two pages each. However, Section L.3.2 does not mention a requirement to provide resumes. Can the government clarify whether or not resumes are required, and if so, for which position(s)?

If the vendor is proposing key personnel then yes resumes should be provided.

145 Admin Within Volume II, are the no page limits for the Management Plan and Staffing Plan? Refer to answer 17, above.

146 Admin Reference L.3.2 Volume II - Technical Proposal (page 79) Phase-In/Phase-Out. Since we have to address both phase-in and phase-out plans, will the government increase the allotted page limit from 1-page to 2-pages?

The table has been updated.

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